Oscar triumph for Phoenix, Waititi
Joaquin Phoenix took out Best Actor for his role in Joker, while New Zealander Taika Waititi picked up Best Adapted Screenplay for Jojo Rabbit.
JEWISH performers walked away with two of the top awards at the Oscars today, with Joaquin Phoenix scooping the Best Actor accolade for his role in Joker, while New Zealander Taika Waititi picked up Best Adapted Screenplay for Jojo Rabbit.
Accepting his trophy, Phoenix told the Hollywood glitterati, “I’ve been a scoundrel in my life. I’ve been selfish. I’ve been cruel at times, hard to work with, and I’m grateful that so many of you in this room have given me a second chance.
“And I think that’s when we’re at our best – when we support each other. Not when we cancel each other out for past mistakes, but when we help each other to grow, when we educate each other, when we guide each other towards redemption. That is the best of humanity.”
Discussing what he called “the fight against injustice”, whether racism, animal rights or gender inequality, he added, “We’re talking about the fight against the belief that one nation, one people, one race, one gender or one species has the right to dominate, control and use and exploit another with impunity.”
Collecting his award, Waititi, a Jewish Maori, said, “I want to dedicate this to all the indigenous kids in the world who want to do art and dance, and write stories.
“We are the original storytellers, and we make it here as well. Thank you.”
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